Reviews 2096

Actually, they had me at the opening track, "Anthem", a beautifully wrought melody from which Eriksen develops a languorous improvisation, an accurate taste of what is to come. All the compositions are by Eriksen, and they unfold as naturally as a flower in the sun. That might suggest that the music is predictable and uninteresting, but not so. While there is little to startle or challenge, the album provides considerable reward for anyone who appreciates music that is skilfully conceived and superbly performed but which aims for the heart and aesthetic sense. After "Grinde", another gentle ballad, "In The Woods" brings in a more explicit beat, a trend continued with "Masaka Tsara" which spotlights Jenset´s rich bass. Eriksen gets almost funky. "Not Even In Brazil" has a Latin-American tinge with a touch of Scandinavian darkness. And so it goes. You´ll be sorry to say goodbye when this luscious album ends. Performance 4/5. Recording 5/5.BBC Music Magazine (UK)

"You Had Me At Goodbye" bears echoes of Scandinavian artists such as Tord Gustavson Trio and E.S.T. As wistful as its paradoxical album title would indicate, the original compositions comprising its eight tracks brim with longing and regret, but they´re not altoghether absent of hope. On "Grinde" Eriksen´s quiet touch is shaded and supported by the hushed and resonant acoustic bass of Lars Tormod Jenset and the delicately applied brushes of drummer Andreas Bye. As throughout, Eriksen displays a rich melodic sensibility and an undeniable warmth that counteracts even the chilliest Norwegian night.Jazziz (US)

The all-acoustic music on "You Had Me At Goodbye" favors ECM-style introstection grafted onto gently melodic compositions that drow from rock and classical shapes more than jazz; the concision of the performances gives the improvisations, both by the pianist and the nimble bassist Lars Tormod Jenset, a pop-like focus. Veteran Scandinavian piano trios like E.S.T and the one led by Tord Gustavsen are clear predecessors for what Eriksen is tackling here, but his sound is more streamlined than the former and less heady than the latter... on a piece like "Not Even In Brazil", which seems to draw more than a touch of inspiration from the music of Radiohead, the trio finds a simpatico balance of melodic moodiness and harmonic richness, as their flexible drummer Andreas Bye unleashes ever-shifting accents with strong results. If they could ditch some of their politeness they could make a real splash.Downbeat (US)

This is the debut release from the trio, and features Mr. Eriksen (piano) along with Andreas Bye (drums) and Lars Tormod Jenset (bass). Like other artists on this label, the jazz outfit hails from Norway. Although to American sensibilities one doesn’t normally think of Norway and jazz together, this is a beautiful and tasteful release worthy of notice. While the leader and bassist have played with many luminaries from the Scandinavian jazz scene, drummer Bye has played with the likes of Joshua Redman and John Scofield. All the tunes are melodic, lyrical and highly infectious- many with typical Scandinavian folk elements. Listen to “In The Woods”, which suggests a deep and snowy northern forest with added touches of melancholia. All eight songs take a similar approach, with tasteful and none too long solos. Such a less-is more approach is in contrast to many of their contemporary jazz piano trios, with structures close to pop songs. Recommended.The Complete Hoot (US)